The Western Australian Council of Social Service welcomed the establishment of a new Roundtable of Energy Consumers and Industry, announced by the Minister for Energy, the Hon Peter Collier today.
“It is important that as energy hardship continues to increase that government, the private sector and the community services sector all work together to ensure that strategies are put in place to minimise the impact price rises are having on low income households and the vulnerable,” said Irina Cattalini, CEO of The Western Australian Council of Social Service today.
“As levels of utility hardship continue to rise it is more important than ever to ensure that a consumer’s voice is at the table when important decisions that affect the entire community are made,” she said.
“The Council is pleased to be included as one of the 11 permanent members of the roundtable.” “This forum provides an excellent opportunity for the Council to talk directly with the State Government about issues affecting the community.”
The Council has recently called for reforms to utility pricing, including the introduction of a concessional utility tariff, targeted energy efficiency initiatives and the establishment of a specialist utility consumer advocacy body for essential services in Western Australia.
“Utility decision-making processes are, for the most part complex, highly technical and time intensive. The establishment of an independent consumer advocacy body that specialises in local issues would allow representatives of small use utility customers to engage with these processes more effectively, said Ms Cattalini.
Media Contact
Irina Cattalini, CEO 0422 422 438 or (08) 9420 7222
Fact file: WACOSS has just released its Pre-budget submission, it calls for the establishment of a specialist consumer advocacy for utility services in Western Australia, Establishment of a concessional energy tariff and a targeted energy efficiency program for low income households including those in regional areas
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